A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Ljubljana for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Brussels or Ljubljana?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Ljubljana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Ljubljana, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ljubljana is known for its impressive beauty. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ljubljana and Brussels. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brussels or Ljubljana?

Brussels is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

Is the Food Better in Brussels or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Brussels. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Ljubljana.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

If you're looking for night time activities Ljubljana has a few options to choose from. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Brussels and Ljubljana.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Ljubljana?

Brussels is renowned for shopping. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Brussels is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Brussels is a great city for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Ljubljana are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Many backpackers visit Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Brussels is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for students.

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Ljubljana is a good city to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its public transit.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Brussels or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Brussels and Ljubljana both are great when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Ljubljana is a very walkable city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Ljubljana Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Ljubljana. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Ljubljana. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Brussels, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Ljubljana. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Brussels that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Ljubljana if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Brussels.

One day in Brussels or Ljubljana?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The capital city of Ljubljana offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Ljubljana?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ljubljana is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ljubljana, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Ljubljana?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Ljubljana is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Ljubljana?

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This capital city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Ljubljana, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Ljubljana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ljubljana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ljubljana and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels than you might in Ljubljana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brussels Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Ljubljana?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Ljubljana, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Brussels or Ljubljana?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Brussels or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Brussels is cooler than Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Brussels is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Ljubljana. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Brussels is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Brussels is cooler than Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Brussels